Interview: Paul O. Zelinsky

Posted on February 20, 2008 at 8:00 am

I was delighted to have a chance to talk to illustrator Paul O. Zelinsky, who was given the Caldecott award highest honor for children’s book illustration for his work on Rapunzel. Paul talked with me about working with animators to convert his book The Wheels on the Bus into a movie, with a musical score by Kevin Bacon and his group, The Bacon Brothers. And he described his own experience making a short animated version of his recent book, The Shivers in the Fridge.

Oscar Quiz: Great movie lines

Posted on February 19, 2008 at 10:25 pm

USA Today has a terrific movie quiz. If you can recognize phrases like “La de dah,” “Show me the money,” “I see dead people,” and “If anyone orders merlot, I’m leaving,” you should be able to rack up an impressive score. The best thing about the quiz is that a right answer gets you the movie clip! annie%20hall.jpg

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Great Movie Moments Quiz

Rediscovered Classic: Strange Cargo

Posted on February 19, 2008 at 2:00 pm

B+

Lowest Recommended Age:	Middle School
Date Released to DVD:	February 19, 2008

strange%20cargo.jpg A 1940 film starring Joan Crawford and Clark Gable and set in a penal colony is an improbable candidate for Biblical allegory, but Strange Cargo is a moving film that draws its power from an inspiring, Christ-like figure and its echoes of Biblical themes, spiritual without being preachy. Gable was Crawford’s all-time favorite co-star, and this was their eighth and last film together. Their strong chemistry and the way their characters interact with the mysterious prisoner who gives them a glimpse of their best selves is part of what makes this movie work on many levels. It is beautifully directed by Frank Borzage, who was a master of mood and symbolism. For the first time, the movie is available on DVD, as a part of a new boxed set, The Joan Crawford Collection, Vol. 2, and it is well worth adding to your Netflix queue.

List: Five movies about presidents

Posted on February 18, 2008 at 8:00 am

Why have there been no great films about George Washington? And why are there so many films featuring Abraham Lincoln? From the John Ford classic Young Mr. Lincoln, starring Henry Fonda, to Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, there is something about the tall man with the wry sense of humor that is very cinematic.
Five great movies for President’s Day:
1. Young Mr. Lincoln Long before he ran for President, we see Abe Lincoln mourn his first love and defend his first clients.
2. Independence Day Bill Pullman is a former fighter pilot who leads America and the world after an alien attack.
3. Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb This cold-war farce has Peter Sellers in three roles, including President of the United States. His conversation with his counterpart in the USSR is a masterpiece. (Some mature material).
kisses%20for%20my%20president.jpg 4. “Kisses for My President” Not available on DVD or video, this all-but forgotten 1964 film features Polly Bergan as the nation’s first female President, but in this pre-feminist era its focus is on the problems faced by her husband, played by Fred McMurray. It is every bit as silly as its title suggests and you will never believe how it all gets resolved. (Guesses welcome)
5. Air Force One Harrison Ford is the President as action hero. When Air Force One is captured by terrorists, it’s a good thing that the man who played Han Solo and Indiana Jones is on hand.

Top Picks: Yo Gabba Gabba

Posted on February 17, 2008 at 8:00 am

Is there a more adorable television show ever than Nick Jr.’s “Yo Gabba Gabba?” I love this mash-up of movie star, viral pioneer “Numa Numa,” and good old-fashioned silly dance fun.